SWIFT CURRENT — A man who lived with and provided lodging to Romana Didulo, the self‑styled “Queen of Canada,” will face trial in Swift Current early next year on multiple charges linked to his time at a former school building in the village of Richmound.
Court documents show the trial for Ricky Manz is scheduled to begin on Jan. 5. He faces several charges, including assaulting a police officer, mischief and failing to comply with an undertaking and release order. Those charges arise from events that culminated in a police raid last year after reports someone inside the building had a firearm.
Local impact and community response
Manz owns the former Richmound school property where Didulo and members of her so‑called Kingdom of Canada movement lived for about two years. Residents of the small village, situated west of Regina near the Alberta border, have publicly described the period as distressing, and neighbours reported property problems including sewage leaks at the site.
After the arrests, there was relief in the community. Village residents recently held a celebration to mark what they described as a fresh start now that the group has not returned to the building.
“Queen of Canada”
The criminal proceedings affecting both Manz and Didulo remain partly unresolved. In March, prosecutors stayed all charges against Didulo as well as one charge against Manz. The remaining counts against Manz will proceed to trial next year.
What the charges allege
Formal court filings outline the specific offences Manz must answer to at his upcoming trial. The allegations include interference with police and breaches of court‑ordered conditions established after earlier proceedings.
- Trial date: Jan. 5 in Swift Current.
- Defendant: Ricky Manz.
- Location tied to allegations: former school building, Richmound.
- Notable developments: charges against Romana Didulo were stayed in March.
The case has drawn attention partly because of Didulo’s notoriety as a conspiracy theorist who had proclaimed herself a monarch and attracted followers across several provinces.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Ricky Manz |
| Charges | Assaulting a police officer; mischief; failing to comply with an undertaking and release order |
| Property | Former school building, Richmound |
| Trial date | Jan. 5 (Swift Current) |
| Related note | All charges against Romana Didulo were stayed in March; one charge against Manz was also stayed |
Practical context for residents
For small communities like Richmound, prolonged occupation of a prominent local property can have lasting effects — from public safety concerns to municipal maintenance burdens. The remaining court process will determine whether the outstanding allegations against Manz result in convictions or are resolved in another manner.
Courtroom proceedings in Swift Current are open to the public unless a judge orders otherwise. Anyone seeking updates on the case can monitor court listings or contact the Swift Current courthouse registry for scheduling information.
This account is based on reporting from The Canadian Press and local records regarding the scheduled trial and prior decisions to stay certain charges.
